MEANING 335
meaning. Even where * if' seems required to qualify ' when *
(which by itself might be taken to exclude the possibility of
the event's never happening at all), * if and ' when * are clearly
not coordinate, though both are subordinate to the main
sentence: ' if and when he comes, I will write' means ' if he
comes, I will write when he comes', or £ when he comes (if he
comes at all), I will write', and the ' if clause, whether paren-
thetic or not, is subordinate to the whole sentence e I will write
when he comes'. Our Gladstone instance below differs from
the rest: 'when* with a past tense, unqualified by 'if, would
make an admission that the writer does not choose to make;
on the other hand, the time reference given by 'when' is
essential; ' on the occasion on which it was done (if it really
was done) it was done judicially*. The faulty coordination
may be overlooked where there is real occasion for its use ;
but many writers seem to have persuaded themselves that
neither * if nor 'when' is any longer capable of facing its respon-
sibilities without the other word to keep it in countenance.
No doubt it will accept the experimental proof here alleged, if and
when it is repeated under conditions . ..—Times.
The latter will include twelve army corps, six rifle brigades, and nine
divisions or brigades of mounted troops, units which, if and when com-
plete, will more than provide ...— Times.
Unless and until we pound hardest we shall never beat the Boers.—
Spectator*
It is only if, and when, our respective possessions become conterminous
with those of great military states on land that we each . ..—Times.
If and when it was done, it was done so to speak judicially.—
GLADSTONE.
No prudent seaman would undertake an invasion unless or until he
had first disposed of the force preparing ... to impeach him.—Times.
Its leaders decline to take office unless and until the 90 or ico German
words of command used ..: are replaced *..—Times.
If and when employment is abundant...— Westminster Gazette.
It means nothing less, if Mr. Chamberlain has his way, than the final
committal of one of the two great parties to a return to Protection, if and
when it has the opportunity.— Westminster Gazette.
It is clear, however, that the work will gain much if and when she plays
faster.— Westminster Gazette.